India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
